CYCLING IN THE ECOSYSTEM 18.4 pp. 371-374
DEFINITIONS Ecosystem: an environment where the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things affect one another Biogeochemical process: circulation of substances through living organisms and the environment
WATER CYCLE
WATER CYCLE Evaporation: water vapor enters the atmosphere
WATER CYCLE Evaporation: water vapor enters the atmosphere Transpiration: evaporation of water through the leaves of plants
WATER CYCLE Precipitation: water vapor that leaves the atmosphere
CARBON CYCLE
CARBON CYCLE Photosynthesis: converting light energy into organic compounds (C6H12O6) CO2 + H2O C6H12O6
CARBON CYCLE Cellular respiration: breaks down sugar to release energy and CO2 is released into atmosphere (C6H12O6 CO2 + H2O + ATP)
CARBON CYCLE Combustion: burning of fossil fuels for energy releases CO2
NITROGEN CYCLE 70% of atmosphere is nitrogen, but it is not in a ready to use form N2 needs to converted into NH3 (ammonia)
NITROGEN CYCLE nitrogen fixation: bacteria convert nitrogen gas (N2) to usable form, NH3 (ammonia)
NITROGEN CYCLE nitrogen fixation: bacteria convert nitrogen gas (N2) to usable form, NH3 (ammonia) ammonification: decomposers break down wastes (urine, feces, death) to NH3
NITROGEN CYCLE nitrification: bacteria convert NH3 to nitrates (NO3-) i.e. like fertilizers assimilation: plants absorb nitrate to make amino acids (enters food chain)
NITROGEN CYCLE Denitrification: bacteria return nitrogen to atmosphere (NO3- N2)
Complete Cycles trifold Use textbook and handout to draw cycles in the appropriate area. Cycles should be neat, simple, labeled, and colored